By: Aminata Sesay
The European Union State Building Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Capacity Building Project has expressed strong support for ongoing reforms being implemented by the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Coordinator and Team Lead of the EU ERM Capacity Building Project, Augustus Cole, and his delegation to the NPPA headquarters in Freetown on Thursday, 22 May 2026.
Welcoming the delegation, NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Fodie J. Konneh, highlighted several major reforms currently being undertaken by the Authority.
He disclosed that the NPPA has completed and published the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) report, noting that implementation of its recommendations is already underway.
Mr. Konneh also informed the delegation that the Authority is advancing the Electronic Government Procurement (E-GP) initiative as part of efforts to modernize public procurement processes and improve service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
According to him, the NPPA is currently reviewing the Public Procurement Act of 2016 and updating procurement regulations, manuals, and standard bidding documents to align with current realities and international best practices.
He further stated that the Authority is transitioning from the traditional “least cost bid” approach to the “most advantageous bid” method in order to ensure greater value for money in government procurement.
The NPPA Chief Executive Officer emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building for procurement officers and staff, particularly as procurement systems become increasingly digitalized and reform-oriented. He also called for sustained support from development partners to strengthen institutional and technical capacity within the sector.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Augustus Cole commended the NPPA for the progress made in advancing procurement reforms and assured the Authority of the EU ERM Project’s continued support through technical assistance, training, and institutional strengthening initiatives.
Mr. Cole stated that the project is focused on improving risk management practices, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and enhancing governance within public institutions to support effective delivery service.
He also underscored the need to build the technical competencies of procurement personnel and support the effective implementation of digital procurement systems across MDAs.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.